NAS Whiting Field receives award for installation excellence

Naval Air Station Whiting Field has earned the Association of Defense Communities’ 2016 Installation Excellence Award for demonstrating leadership through innovative partnerships that protect and promote military and community goals in a collaborative fashion.

Capt. Todd Bahlau, Naval Air Station Whiting Field Commanding Officer, accepted the award June 21 at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The ceremony featured keynote remarks by Sens. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.

Bahlau praised the dedicated group of individuals and organizations that make the partnership between the installation and the community what it is today.

“We have a tremendous group of professionals here at NAS Whiting Field who take great pride in being good neighbors in the Northwest Florida and Southeastern Alabama communities. My team’s volunteer efforts, strong involvement in area activities and our ability to partner with the county to create new initiatives continues to amaze me.

“Likewise, the local residents and businesses work tirelessly to protect the mission of the base and care for our service members. It is by far the most military friendly community I have ever seen, and I am extremely fortunate to be a part of this partnership.”